When the Office of Management and Budget stopped following a law that requires them to publicly share how the White House is using federal taxpayer dollars, we sued and forced them to restore the data.
Stopping the Consolidation of Power
our work
We work to prevent unchecked power, defend the rule of law, and protect the right to dissent.
The United States must maintain three co-equal branches of government, each with their own responsibilities.
Would-be authoritarians often abuse their power, using it to eliminate checks and balances, quash dissent, target already marginalized communities, and deepen political divisions.
The Constitution and the laws we have built around it provide tools to constrain authoritarian behavior — but many of the norms and guardrails that help define our democracy are not written into law and are not self-enforcing. Together these restraints must be deployed (and strengthened) to prevent the executive branch from abusing its power and to ensure the law applies equally to everyone, from the most powerful to the least.
- Uphold the principle that nobody is above the law.
- Ensure meaningful checks and balances on executive power.
- Stop abuses that target marginalized groups and their ability to participate in democracy.
- Protect the ability of the public and the press to voice dissenting views.
- Protect independent, non-politicized law enforcement and civil servant workforces.
We are working with legislators in a number of states on legislation that would allow people to sue any official — federal, state, or local — who violates their constitutional rights.
Tracking retaliatory use of arrests, prosecutions, and investigations by the Trump administration
How to tell if the Trump DOJ is enforcing the law or retaliating against political enemies.
July 21, 2026
The dangers of military intervention in civilian law enforcement
“The Dangers of Military Intervention in Civilian Law Enforcement" examines our nation’s concerning trend toward increased domestic troop deployments.
June 8, 2026
Constitutional gatekeepers: The history and role of grand juries
How grand juries serve as a vital shield against retaliatory prosecutions.
January 28, 2026
The Shortlist: Seven ways platforms can prepare for the U.S. 2024 election
Protect Democracy has produced four recommendations to inform preparations to safeguard the information ecosystem surrounding the U.S. general election.
March 12, 2024
The Shortlist: Messaging platform recommendations
These four recommendations will ensure messaging platforms are ready for global elections through 2024.
March 11, 2024
The Shortlist: Social media platform recommendations
These four recommendations will ensure social media platforms are ready for global elections through 2024.
March 11, 2024
The Shortlist: Generative AI platform recommendations
These four recommendations will ensure generative AI platforms are ready for global elections through 2024.
March 11, 2024
Citizens Guide to January 6th and Ongoing Threats to Democracy
The Jan. 6 Citizens Guide highlights the threat to democracy posed by former President Trump and his allies and possible paths towards a more resilient democracy.
September 7, 2022
Understanding Americans’ Views About January 6 to Foster Accountability and Prevent Recurrence
Protect Democracy, OverZero, and New America sought to better understand Americans' views on January 6 to promote a healthy, productive, and cross-partisan dialogue about that unprecedented attack.
June 30, 2022
The Authoritarian Playbook
How reporters can cover and distinguish threats from politics-as-usual
June 15, 2022
Towards Non-Recurrence: Accountability Options for Trump-Era Transgressions
Towards Non-Recurrence: Accountability Options for Trump-Era Transgressions
January 6, 2022